Electric combination switch for automobiles



July 10, 1923.

- W. B. MARKS ELECTRIC COMBINATION SWITCH FOR AUTOMOBILES Filed Jan. 18 192 2" ATTORNEY Patented July 10, 1923.

WILLIAM B. MARKS, OF WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT.

ELECTRIC COMBINATION SWITCH FOR AUTOMOBILES.

Application filed January 18, 1922. Serial No. 530,158.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WILLIAM B. MARKs,.. a citizen of the United States,,and a resident of Waterbury, county of New Haven, and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in an Electric Combination Switch for Auto-. mobiles, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to theft-preventing means for automobiles, and is more particularly directed to a combination electric switch for the ignition system which canbe operated only by a person knowingthe combination.

One object of the invention is to provide a device of this nature which may be readily attached to the dash-board or any other convenient part of the car. Another object is to provide a combination switch which will be simple, cheap to manufacture, and very durable and eiiicient in use.

With these and other objects in view, there has been illustrated on the accompanying drawing, two forms in which the invention may be conveniently embodied in practice.

Fig. 1 represents a side sectional view on an enlarged scale of one form of combination electric switch embodying .the principles of the invention.

' Fig. 2 is an end sectional view of the switch, taken along the,line 2-2 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows, the plungers and springs being removed from the casing and the operating key being shown in position.

ig. 3 is a perspective view,on a still larger scale, of one of the plungers with its insulating portion shown detached therefrom. i

Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the double-arm resilient contact springs.

Fig. 5 isa perspective view of a modified form of plunger;

Referring now to the drawing, in which like reference numerals denote correspondin parts throughout the several views, 10 in icates a casin or box of any desired in sulating materia, preferably of hard rubber, b-akelite, or the like. The casing 10 is open at one side and has a detachable cover 11 secured thereto by means of four screws 12. These screws are threaded into four corresponding screwholes 13 formed in the corners of the casing 10, as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

A row of double-arm contact are secured in the wall 14 The springs-l4, which are made of any desired, conducting metal, such as brass or copper, are preferably formed into the illustrated shape by bending or otherwise. They are strip of sheet metal. The tips 15 of the springs 14 are curved as shown most clearly in Fig. 1. The convex surfaces of the spring tips 15 are preferably shaped like springs 14 apart of a cylindrical surface and are dis- 7 posed outwardly and are adapted to press against and guide the plungers hereinafter to be described. The intermediate flat sections 16 of the springs are preferably parallel and arranged in close proximity to 7 one another, and are connected by the upper substantially cylindrical enlarged portion 17, adapted to be engaged in a socket 18 formed in the top of the casing.

The plungers 19, referred arranged between and in contact with the springs 14. They are preferably rectangular in shape and may be constructed 0 sheet or plate of any desired conducting metal such as brass or copper. 'Each of the plungers 19 is provided near one end with a dove-tailed recess or groove 20 formed in one face to receive an insulating plug 21. The plug 21, which should preferably be constructed from the same material as the v casing, has its top and bottom edges beveled to snugly fit into the ends of the dovetailed recess 20 of the plunger. In the illustrated example, the first, third, and

fifth plungers are arranged with their insulating sections up, while the second and fourth plungers have their insulating sections down. It will be evident that the combination switch may be constructed with any number of plungers 19, but for simplicity, only five are shown herein. It will also be evident that the number of resilient springs 14, six in this instance, will be one more than the number of plungers.

.In order to permit theoperator to force 0 the plungers down from the full line to the dotted positions, as shown in Fig. 1, the casing is provided with a row of cylindrical keyholes 22, one arranged above each of the five plungers, to permit the inser- .Of the casing. 60

preferably made from a single 65 to above, are 8 tion of a key 23, whenever it is desired to close the switch, as will be hereinafter more fully described.

The terminals of the switch are mounted in the side walls 23 and 23 of the casing, being seatedin rectangular slots 24 which extend from the back wall 24 to the cover 11. These slots 24 which preferably extend about half way through the side walls 23 and 23 of the casing, form seats in which the terminal blocks 25, of any suitable conductive material, are tightly fitted. The terminal blocks 25 are preferably provided with adjustable set-screws 26 by means of which the bare ends of the insulated conducting wires 27 are clamped in position. The wires 27, which serve to electrically connect the combination switch to the battery, and to the ignition switch of the automobile respectively, pass from the slots 24, through holes 28, and into the coupling members 29. These coupling members 29 are provided with screw-threaded necks 30, and are connected at their other ends to flexible metal hose sections 31 which serve to protect the lead-wires from tampering or accidental in jury.

In order to move all the plungers simultaneously to their uppermost positions, a rectangular'plunger restoring plate 32 is provided, this plate having a downwardly pro- 'ecting cylindrical neck portion 33, into which a shaft 34 is screwed. The shaft 34 extends downwardly from the plate 32 through the bottom wall 34 of the casing, being enlarged at 35, and having a knob 36 on its lower end. The upper portion of the shaft 34 is also provided with, an annular washer 37 loosely mounted thereon. The washer 37 is adapted to support the lower end of a spiral spring 38, the top of which spring engages a portion 38 of the casing. The spring 38 which serves to maintain the plunger-restoring plate 32 in its lowermost position is preferably housed within a cupshaped chamber 39 fitting within a cylindrical recess 40 in said casing.

To set the switch, the plungers corresponding to the numbers of the combination will be inverted so'that-the insulating plugs 21 thereof will be at the bottom instead of at the top. In theswitch herein illustrated, the numbers of the combination are 2-4. Consequently, the second and fourth plungers from the left, as shown in Fig. 1 have been inverted. It will be evident that when all the plungers are in their normal uppermost positions, no current will flow, because the circuitis interrupted by the insulating plugs of the second and fourth plunger-s. When the switch is in this open conditionas when the operator has parked his car--it will be impossible for a thief to start the engine.

In operation, when it is desired to use the car, it is only necessary for the operator to insert the key 23 through the proper holes 22-the second and fourth holes in this instanceand to push the key down in said holes, as far as possible. The upper conducting portions of the second and fourth plungers will in this manner be brought into contact With the tips of the springs 14 permitting the current to flow through the switch. The car may then be readily started in the usual manner After running the car, when the operator desires to open the circuit through the switch so as to prevent unauthorized persons from starting the engine, it is only necessary for him to grasp the knob 36 on the end of the shaft 34, and to push it in as far as possible. This action will cause the plate 32 to force the second and fourth plungers into the position shown in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 5 is disclosed a slightly modified form of plunger, having a recess 42 similar to that shown in the first form (Figs. 1 and 3) and provided with two pairs of oppositely disposed grooves 43 and 44 respectively. In the use of this form of plunger. it will be evident that the spring arms 15 of the contact springs 14 will snap into the grooves 43 and 44, and will cause said plungers to be positively held in either of their upper or lower positions. There will thus be no possibility for them to work loose by the vibration of the automobile. This second form of plunger shown in Fig. 5 is designed to be used interchangeably with the first form, shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

While there have been disclosed in this specificationseveral forms in which the invention may be embodied, it is to be understood that these forms are shown for the purpose of illustration only. and that the invention is not to be limited to the specific disclosures but may be modified and embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit; in short, the invention includes all the modifications and embodiments coming within the scope of the following claims.

Having thus fully described the invenvention, what is claimed as new, and for which it is desired to secure Letters Patent, 1s:

1. In a combination electric switch, a casing, a pair of terminals in said casing, a series of conductive springs between said terminals, and a series of reversible plungers loosely carried in said casing between said springs for electrically connecting said springs to each other and to the terminals for closing the circuit through said switch, said springs serving to guide said plungers.

2. In a combination switch for an automobile ignition circuit, a casing, a series of alined double-arm conductive springs located in said casing, and a plurality of means meeting1 said springs when it is desired to 10 close t e circuit, said plungers being supported and guided by said springs.

4. In a combination switch for an automobile ignition circuit, a casing, a series of alined double-arm contact springs located in said casing, and a series of metallic plungers between adjacent springs for electrical- 1y connecting said springs when it is desired to close the circuit, said plungers being supported and guided by said springs.

5. In a combination switch for an electric circuit, a casing, a series of spaced U-shaped conductive sprlngs in said casing, a series.

of reversible plungers located between said springs, each of said plungers having a conductive portion and an insulatlng portion,

a and means for moving one or more of said plungers so as to bring the insulating portions thereof, into contact with said springs, whereby the circuit will be broken, said plungers being supported and guided by said springs.

6. In a combination switch for an electric circuit, a casing, a row of spaced U-shaped conductive springs in said casing, a row of reversible plungers located between said springs, each of said plungers having a conductive portion and an insulating portion, and means for moving; one or more of said plungers so as to bring the insulating portions thereof, into contact with said springs, whereby the circuit will be broken, said plungers being supported and guided by saidsprings.

7. In a combination switch for an electric circuit, a casing, a row of spaced U-shaped conductive springs in said casing, a row of reversible plungers located between and contacting with said springs, each of said plungers having a conductive .portion and an insulating portion,-and means for moving one or more of said plungers so as to bring the insulating portions thereof, into contact with said springs, whereby the circuits will be broken, said plungers being supported and guided by said springs.

8. In a combination switch for the igni tion circuit of an automobile, a casing, a row of U-shaped conductive springs and plungers alternately arranged in said casing, each of said plungers having a conductive section and an insulating section, means for selectively shifting one or more of said plungers relative to the adjacent springs so as to bring the insulating portions thereof into contact with said springs, and means for simultaneously returning the shifted plungers to their initial positions, said plungers being supported and guided by said springs.

9. In a combination switch for an ignition circuit, a casing, a series of alternately arranged stationary conductive spring members, and a series of slidableplungers located between and guided by said spring members, said casing having a hole opposite each ofsaid plungers, whereby one or more of said plungers may be selectively shifted by the insertion of a key through said holes, and means for simultaneously restoring said shifted plungers to their initial positions. 7

10. In a combination electric locking switch, a casing, a plurality of alternately arranged slidable plungers and contact springs located in said casing, said plungers being resiliently guided by said contact springs, each of said plunge-rs having an insulating portion and a conductive portion, whereby the circuit may be made or broken by sliding said plungers in said casmgs.

11. In a combination electric switch, a I

casing, a plurality of substantially flat, plate-like conductive plungers slidably arranged within the-casing, each plunger being recessed and provided with an insul'atsaid plungers, whereby one or more of said plungers may be caused to slide within saidv casing so as to bring the insulating insert into contact with the spring contact element to break the electric circuit.

12. In a combination electric switch, a casing, a pair of terminals in said casing, a row of U-shaped conductive springs arranged between and in alinement with said terminals, each of said conductive springs having a pair of resilient outwardly curved tips, and a row of shiftable plungers guided by and located between adjacent springs in contact with the curved tips thereof, each of said plungers having a plurality of notched sections whereby. the plungers will be held securel by said springs.

13. In a com ination switch for the ignition circuit of an automobile, a pair of terminals, a row of alternately arranged stationaiy resilient conductors and selectively shiftable "plungers arranged in alinement between said terminals, each of said plungers having a conductive section and an insulating section, one or more. of said plungers having their insulating sections in contact with said springs, the remaining plungers having their conducting sections for closing the circuit by sliding said first-named lungers so that their conductive portions will be brought into contact with said springs, said plungers being supported and guided by said resilient conductors.

14. In a combination electric switch, a casing, a pair of terminals in said casing, a plurality of movable plungers arranged in spaced relation between said terminals, a plurality of stationary conductors arranged alternately between said plungers, said conductors having resilient portions pressing against said plungers for guiding, supporting and electrically connecting said plungers, each plunger having a conductive section and an insulating section, some of the plungers having their conductive sections in contact with the resilient portions of said conductors, the remaining plungers having their insulating sections in contact with said resilient portions, said circuit being closed by shifting said last-named plungers so that their conductive portions will be in contact with the resilient portions of said conductors.

15. In a theft-preventing electric switch, a casing, a plurality of alined alternately arranged plungers and springs adapted to form a part of the circuit, each of said springs comprising a pair of parallel metallic strips, each of said strips having an outwardl curved resilient tip said strips bein joined at their other ends by a substantia ly cylindrical enlarged portion, said plungers being supported and guided by said springs.

16. In a combination electric switch, a casing, a plurality of alined alternately arranged plungers and contact springs adapted to form a part of the circuit, each of said plungers comprising a conductive base and an insulating insert secured to one end of said base, each plunger having a plurality of notches on opposite faces thereof, whereby it may be engaged by the adjacent springs to hold it in either conductive or insulating position, said plungers being guided by said springs.

17 In a combination electric switch, a casraeneae ing, a plurality of alined alternately arranged plungers and plunger-guiding springs adapted to form a part of the circuit, each of said. plungers comprising an insulating upper section and a conductive lower section, and having a notch on one face thereof, whereby it may be engaged by the adjacent springs to hold it in position.

18. In a theft-preventing electric switch, a casing, a lurality of alternately arranged, substantia ly flat plungers, and contact springs in said casing, each of the springs being formed of a strip of sheet metal bent upon itself to form a cylindrical portion at the bend, 'a pair of parallel portions, the free ends of said springs being convexed outwardly, the convex portions being adapted to contact with and guide the plungers.

19. In a combination electric switch, a casing provided with a plurality of sockets formed in one wall thereof, a plurality of U-shaped spring contact elements ha 'ing enlarged bases, said bases being adapted to fit into said sockets for locking said spring contact elements in place, and a plurality of movable plungers arranged respectively between and guided by the spring contact ele ments.

20. In a combination electric switch, a casing, a plurality of sheet metal spring contact elements mounted in one wall of said casing, a. plurality of substantially fiat, platelike plungers located respecively between and guided by said spring contact elements, and a s ring-pressed restoring plate in said casing ocated adjacent the opposite wall thereof.

21. In a combination electric switch, a casing, a plurality of spring contact elements secured to one wall of said casing, aplurality of plungers, one plunger being positioned between each two adjacent spring contact elements, said plungers being guided by said spring contact elements.

In testimony whereof, I have afiixed my signature to this specification.

WILLIAM B. MARKS. 

